Veteran's Compensation or Pension

Disability compensation payments and financial need-based pensions are two, totally different programs available to Veterans who meet certain criteria.

It is important to note that while a Veteran may be eligible for both Disability Compensation and Veterans Pension benefits, the federal VA will only grant one (the greater amount).

Programs

For best results in determining if you qualify for these or other Veterans benefit programs, contact one of our Veterans Service Centers. Here is a partial list of eligibility requirements:

Disability compensation

• Veterans must have been separated or discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
• Veterans must have a service-connected disability, illness, or injury (incurred or aggravated during active military service)

Pension

• Age 65 or older
• Permanently and totally disabled
• Income does not exceed limits set by the United States government
• 90 days or more of active military service, at least one day of which was during a period of war
• Separated or discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
• Disability for reasons other than the your own willful misconduct

Eligibility

To be eligible for monthly Aid and Attendance or House bound benefits, the Veteran and/or survivor must meet at least one of the following requirements

• Be a patient in a nursing home due to a disability or loss of mental or physical abilities - OR -
• Need assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or feeding - OR-
• Must spend a large portion of each day in bed due to illness - OR -
• Have very limited eyesight even with glasses or contact lenses

Current monthly VA pension and DIC rates

Amounts set by the U.S. Congress.

• See the current rates for Aid and Attendance
• See current rates for Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits

Things to consider

• Before starting this process, call or visit one of our Service Centers so that we can discuss eligibility, benefits and documents needed to support a claim

Disability compensation

• Payments are monthly
• Benefits are not subject to federal or state income tax
• Payment varies with the degree of disability and number of dependents
• Certain severe disabilities may be eligible for additional special monthly compensation

Veterans Pension

• Low income wartime Veterans may qualify if certain requirements are met, such as length of service
• Veterans and surviving spouses may be eligible for maximum higher benefits if they qualify for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits

How to apply

Please gather and bring the following:

1. Medical records needed to support your claim
2. Other documents/information needed for the application:
   • DD214/Separation documents
   • Military severance or separation pay
   • Marital history for dependent spouse
   • Verification of dependent child qualifications:
     • Under the age of 18
     • Or at least 18 but under 23 and pursuing an approved course of education
     • Or permanently incapable of self-support before reaching the age of 18
   • Checking or savings account information for direct deposit
   • Income verification
   • Medical, legal or other expenses (if filing for special monthly pension)
3. To help expedite claims, download and fill out as much information as possible on the following required form(s) and bring to your Veteran Service Officer (forms can also supplied at the office if you are unable to download):
   • VA Form 21-526EZ - Application for Veterans Pension
   • VA-21-22 - Appointment of Veteran Service Organization as Claimants Representative (authorizing the VSO to assist with your claim)
   • VA-21-2680 (optional) - Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Aid & Attendance – if filing for special monthly pension
   • Aid and Attendance Packet - Wartime Vet (complete packet with cover letter and benefit rates)
   • Aid and Attendance Packet - Spouse of a Wartime Vet (complete packet with cover letter and benefit rates)

What's next

1. A Veterans Service Officer will submit your application and supporting documents when all information is completed
   • Important: for best results, do not mail in claim forms before a consultation meeting with your Veterans Services Officer
2. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will review the application and make a determination and notify you via mail
   • Per the VA website: The length of time it takes to complete a claim depends on several factors, such as the type of claim filed, complexity of your disability(ies), the number of disabilities you claim, and the availability of evidence needed to decide your claim.

Documents

• DD214 - /Separation documents
• VA Form 21-526EZ - Application for Veterans Pension
• VA-21-22 - Appointment of Veteran Service Organization as Claimants Representative (authorizing the VSO to assist with your claim)
• VA-21-2680 (optional) - Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Aid & Attendance – if filing for special monthly pension
• Aid and Attendance Packet - Wartime Vet (complete packet with cover letter and benefit rates)
• Aid and Attendance Packet - Spouse of a Wartime Vet (complete packet with cover letter and benefit rates)

• VA Form 21P-534EZ - for DIC, Survivors Pension, and/or Accrued Benefit
• VA Form 21P-0969 - Income and asset statement in support of claim for pension or parents' dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC).
• Used if you or your dependents have more than $10,000 in assets
• Assets are all the money and property you or your dependents own
• Assets do not include your/your family's primary residence or personal effects such as appliances and vehicles you or your dependents need for transportation

Get help

Department: Veterans Services
Email: cvs@hcfl.gov
Phone: (813) 635-8316